Memorial Day Program at Boone Mall Brought In a Crowd of Veterans and Support

Published Monday, May 28, 2018 at 4:47 pm

Everyone watched as the American flag was folded from its full form into the shape of a cocked hat.

By Hailey Blevins

The Memorial Day Program at Boone Mall kicked off by introducing representatives of different divisions of the armed forces. Veterans stood as HCCMOAA President Capt. Fred Schmitt called out their branch, just as they once stood when they were called upon to fight for our country.

To these brave men and women, Memorial Day is about more than a three-day weekend. Once called Decoration Day, the custom was originally to decorate the graves of those who lost their lives in WWI with poppies, which grew on the battlefields after the war. Poppies were originally adopted as a way to raise funds for the sake of veterans. Today, we wear them in remembrance of the fallen. The name Memorial Day came into usage in 1882 and was declared a national holiday in 1971.

Stacy Eggers received the folded flag from another veteran.

Attendants of Boone Mall’s Memorial Day Program listened to the meaning behind the 13 folds as an American flag was folded. The folded flag was then awarded to veteran Stacy Eggers.

Here are the meanings for each of the folds:

1st fold is a symbol of life.

2nd fold signifies our belief in eternal life.

3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing the ranks who gave a portion of their lives to the defense of the country to attain peace throughout the world.

4th fold represents the weaker nature, whereas American citizens trusting in God it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in times of war for divine guidance.

5th fold is a tribute to the country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, “Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right, but it is still our country, right or wrong.”

6th fold is where the peoples’ heart lie. It is with their heart they pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, for liberty and justice for all.

7th fold is a tribute to its armed forces. For it is through the armed forces that they protect their country and their flag against all enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of their republic.

8th fold gives tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death that we might see the light of the day.

9th fold is a tribute to womanhood and mothers. For it is them through their fate, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.

10th fold is a tribute to the father. For he too has given his sons and daughters for the defense of their country since they were first born

11th fold represents the lower person of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies the Hebrew eyes of God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob

12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christian eyes, God the father, the son, and the Holy Ghost

13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, and the stars are uppermost, reminding them of the Nation’s motto, “In God We Trust.”

After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington and the sailors and marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the armed forces of the United States, preserving for them the rights, privileges and freedoms they enjoy today.

Representatives of those who didn’t return stand in honor of the fallen.

After the folding of the flag, veterans who did not return were honored as their families and surviving spouses stood in their place as the conflicts they fought in were called out. As Capt. Fred Schmitt said, these veterans and their families received a “well deserved recognition.” Among the conflicts mentioned were WWII and the Korean conflict.

Attendants clapped along to the band as they played each service’s song.

The Watauga Community Band played several songs throughout the program. The most notable was the Service Song from the five armed services. Veterans stood when their service’s song was honored. Afterwards, the Marine Core Junior ROTC retired the colors.

Everyone stood as the colors were retired by the Marine Core Junior ROTC.

This memorial day, everyone is encouraged to thank a veteran in their family or community for the sacrifices they made for our freedom. Many have fallen so that today we could gather safely for a program like this one.